MEA-MFT members Susan Irion, a literacy coach, and Kristie Martin of the Billings Public Schools have received a $5,000 Learning & Leadership Grant from the NEA Foundation.

(Is there a grant in your future? Deadline for applications is June 1, 2014.)

The grant will allow Irion and Martin to expand professional development opportunities in the Billings schools with tools for reflecting on instructional practices, student engagement, and learning.

Participants in the project will film themselves teaching and reflect on their effectiveness. The strategies learned will be shared in group settings throughout the year.

The NEA Foundation grants support educator-driven solutions that contribute to improved student performance in public schools. The foundation awards two levels of grant funding, $2,000 or $5,000, for two categories of grants to public education professionals: Student Achievement Grants for student achievement, and Learning and Leadership Grants for professional development.

The NEA Foundation awards its grants to educators three times a year. The next grant deadline is June 1, 2014. Application forms and a video with step-by-step instructions on how to apply can be found in the Grants to Educators section of the NEA Foundation website.